21 February 2012

Today is Shrove Tuesday which to me has always been referred to as "Pancake Day." Perishables like eggs and dairy products, which are generally banned during Lent, need to be used up and if you practice religious holidays this is your last night to indulge in rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. There is no better way to use up these ingredients today than in our favourite breakfast treat... pancakes!!

Of course Canada is not the only country celebrating this time of year. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" in New Orleans (in English tradition, Shrove Tuesday), what’s known as Paczki Day (pronounced much like ‘punch-key’) in Poland, Fastnacht Day or Fausnaught Day in Switzerland and then there is Italy with Carnavale....all celebrations whose roots began in using up perishables before the Lenten season.

We always celebrated Pancake Day when we were kids, so, in the naivety of a child I thought it was a British thing. What kid, or adult for that matter, wouldn't want to have pancakes for supper with loads of Canadian maple syrup!!!! You don't have to be British, Catholic, Polish, follow Lent or be in New Orleans or Italy to have some delicious pancakes for supper on Shrove Tuesday!! You don't need to have traditional pancakes either. Celebrate with waffles, crepes or even latkes! Of course I am not partying it up as they are in New Orleans but am celebrating in my own quiet way.

Here are some More Than Burnt Toast ideas to celebrate. We love pancakes around here. Get create and celebrate with something magical in your own kitchen. What is your favourite pancake?

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

We have always celebrated Shrove Tuesday with pasta. Imagine my family's surprise yesterday when they came home to pancakes. Your pancakes are all delectable - loving the sauce. Now I wish I had been more imaginative.

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 12 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.